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PrinciplesThe principles listed below are written by David Holmgren. They are a more detailed version of the original principles list. Scroll down or click to O'BREDIM to see a basic list of design principles and a simple explanation.
 Top of page O'BREDIM(a word to help you remember the following steps in the design process)O bservation B oundaries R esources E valuation D esign I mplementation M aintainence Observation This is harder than it sounds. 'Not doing' can be nigh on impossible when you start a project! It's a crucial part of the design process though, so reign yourself in. The longer you spend observing your site the more you'll understand it's nature, the more you understand the nature of your site the better the design will be. It is normally suggested that a full year is a suitable time for observation. That way you can see the effect each of the seasons have on the land. However, that may not be possible if you've just taken on an allotment. Just do what you can, there are many things that can help you in getting to know what is going on in your site. Have a look at the Sectors list below to see what to look out for. Observation is, of course, about looking. It's also about absorbing. Taking in how the space feels. Is one spot colder than another, if so why. Does one area make you feel like lying down and having a nap (e.g. a nice dry, warm spot) or does it make you want to go home and have a warming cup of tea (e.g. a damp, windy spot). Not Doing Although I don't expect anyone to be able to do this, I have to say it anyway. Try not to plan or do anything while your supposed to be observing. I am yet to succeed in this, so try your hardest and stop yourself when you start day dreaming and getting excited! It's worth noting though that those impromptu moments of planning can be inspirational - so write down what you come up with, just in case! Indicator Plants It's a good idea to make a note of the plants that grow in the different areas of the site (there will be more than you expected I bet!). Then you can look up what kind of indicator plants they are. Creeping buttercup indicates a damp soil, nettles a rich soil, for example. Soil Test Doing a soil test is very important. There is a technique to doing this and getting it right will make it easier for you to identify your soil type. Start off by putting your spade blade on the ground and push the handle away from you until the blade is at a 90° angle with the ground. Push down as straight as you can. Make Notes Don't forget to write everything down. Even if you think you'll remember it all - you probably wont! Now is a good time to do a site 'base map'. Map out the area and add existing features, eg; water, large trees and buildings. Don't try to be too perfect, you will be doing a proper survey later, for now it is a good idea to have something to put your notes down on to in a visual form. Have a look at the 'Sectors' list below it shows the different areas that you need to take into account when creating your design. Zones See below. Boundaries Walk all your boundaries and see what is going on there and beyond them in your neighbours space. Look for anything that might effect what you are planning to do. You may also need to repair fencing, care for hedges etc. Resources Your plan is dependant on your ability to get the resources to see it through. Your site might provide you with things you need but you will also need to get your hands on many bits and bobs. Freecycle, local community, friends and family are a good place to go to in times of need. Resources also includes your finances and your time. How much of these do you realistically have to invest in the design? Normally the first 5 years of a design are the most intense and require the most input. Sustainability is a good word to use here. It is vital for the success of any permaculture design that it is sustainable on all levels. You must be able to sustain your input without strain on your home life for it to work. Evaluation Before you start your first design pull together everything you have collected so far, your site observations and the relevant resources that you have. Go back and double check on things that are niggling you. Design I'm not going to go into too much detail here, there's a few techniques. You should have a great time creating your design on paper. Some tips though... Get yourself lots of colourful pencils, a big A3 pad, a scale ruler, some tracing paper and a cup of tea. Always keep an original map that you never draw on. You are bound to need to make a copy of it over and over again when you change your mind about where to put your pond. Use the tracing paper to over-lay different ideas on to your map, then when you are sure add them on to it. Research your ideas, people are a wonderful resource of information and the internet can really help here. People are also helpful in checking your ideas. Don't be afraid to invite critisism, better hear it now before you've built it and it doesn't work. Implementation It is vital that you have a clear idea of how you are going to implement your design. Try doing a time line. Work out what you need to do when and what resources you'll need to achieve each stage. It can be a real eye opener, showing just how many things need to be done at the same time! Maintenance Make sure that your design wont take more of your time than you can comfortably give. When a site needs constant imput year after year it might be a sign that it was poorly designed. Remember that nobody is perfect and everything always changes, (you can't think of everything!). Try not to be too attached to the original design and change a bit of it, if it isn't working. Sometimes you have to be ruthless, sometimes you have to just tweak. Sectors
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